Student Trip to Portland
What a week! Our Portland experience was centered on entrepreneurship, culture, and the common good. Over the course of the trip, out students met with nine founders, executives, pastors, creatives, and nonprofit leaders working across industries ranging from global brands to grassroots initiatives.
At Nike, students received a private tour of the company’s campus and gained insight into the inner workings of one of the world’s most culturally influential brands.
They also toured BibleProject, where they met with VP of Marketing Carter Hulsey to discuss the tensions between growth, mission, and faithfulness inside a Bible-centered media organization reaching millions around the world.
The cohort also spent time with leaders from Praxis, creative agencies, nonprofits, and churches throughout the city. The conversations ranged from ethical storytelling in fundraising to housing, foster care, immigration, and the role entrepreneurs can play in serving the needs of a city.
One of the recurring themes throughout the week was that meaningful work is ultimately rooted in relationships, not scale, influence, or growth.
Alongside these conversations, students explored Portland’s neighborhoods, studied the city’s culture and branding, attended local events, and reflected together each evening on what they were learning. The trip combined practical insight with deeper questions about vocation, leadership, creativity, and impact.
Most of all, students left inspired by the people they encountered and challenged to think more deeply about how businesses, nonprofits, churches, and creators can contribute to the flourishing of their communities!
PS: If you didn't see our student takeover on Instagram, watch our latest reel created from our very own student (Henry!)
